When Dan and Louise Hodges created a product in 2009 that was environmentally safe but kills annoying pests, Greenbug was born.

Experienced in landscaping, the Hodges’ were concerned for the environment as they became aware of the cumulative effects of pesticides on humans and animals.

“I noticed a lot of people weren’t spending time outside because of the bugs,” Louise Hodges said. “We wanted to create a product that was safe for people to use, but worked to keep the pests away.”

Greenbug produces natural pest control products made with cedar oil. Cedar kills pests such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and others, but does not harm people and animals. Greenbug produces 13 products with two different formulas.

The formula is Environmental Protection Agency exempt which means there is no professional applicator license required since it is all-natural pest control. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the product for use in and around food. Greenbug products are sold by 120 retailers and online. The company is family owned and operated.

In June, the Hodges introduced their patent-pending Greenbug Injector System which integrates with an irrigation system to distribute the product to create pest-free zones where water is directed. The injector system has been installed in Beaufort and Charleston.

“We are very excited about moving forward with the Greenbug Injector System,” Louise Hodges said.

After going to a Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Louise and Dan Hodges heard about the Don Ryan Center for Innovation and applied to become a part of the center. Since they are Clemson graduates, the Hodges said they were excited to be a part of the center that works in cooperation with the Clemson.

“The center has been very supportive and coaches us about investors, manufacturing and our business plan,” Louise Hodges said. “With the Greenbug Injector System, we’ve had to make a detailed operations plan that is more complex than the business plan.”

Jordan Berliner, executive director of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, said the center has been working with Greenbug to help the Hodges grow the business.

“The center has been working with Greenbug on refining their business growth strategy and developing the business plan that reflects that,” Berliner said. “We are also working with them on funding their growth.”

Greenbug was one of the three businesses introduced as innovators when the Don Ryan Center opened in May.

“We believe Greenbug offers consumers a unique combination of an injector system for pest control through their current irrigation system and the natural pest control products to use in the system,” Berliner said. “The products work. I know because I use them.”

GREENBUG, INC.

Employees: Three

Owners: Dan and Lousie Hodges

Product: Greenbug for people, Greenbug for pets, Greenbug for indoors, Greenbug for outdoors

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